- Popyrin had already been beaten by Novak in two Grand Slams this year.
- He came into the match full of confidence after winning the first round.
- Former world number one dismantled in front of surprised Arthur Ashe Stadium
Australian Alexei Popyrin pulled off the biggest upset of his career by defeating Novak Djokovic on the US Open court on Saturday.
The 28th seed, who has had a career marred by injuries, showed no fear against the 24-time Grand Slam winner and second seed who was fresh off a gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
Popyrin set up his dream match by braving the scorching heat to defeat Spaniard Pedro Martinez 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 in the second round and had not dropped a set before the big clash with Djokovic.
After taking a month off between winning an elusive Olympic gold medal in Paris and arriving in New York with his sights set on an unprecedented 25th slam, Djokovic fell two sets to love down against the Australian.
Popyrin had already lost twice to Djokovic this year at Wimbledon and the Australian Open and would face the former world number one in the third round again at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Australian Alexei Popyrin is into the fourth round of the US Open after a big win over Serbian Novak Djokovic
The 24-time Grand Slam winner was dismantled by the Australian in four sets
Djokovic fought back to take a 3-0 lead before comfortably claiming the third set and one could sense the tide was turning and the 24-time Grand Slam winner was planning another great escape.
Popyrin had the match on his racket at 5-2 in the fourth set, but the Serbian superstar fought hard to level the game and eventually break.
However, that only delayed the inevitable as the Australian created three match points and eventually roared back after claiming the biggest win of his career to date.
However, Popyrin rose to the challenge and broke Djokovic’s serve twice to put himself in a commanding position at 4-2 up in the potentially decisive set.
Popyrin will face the winner of the American clash between 13th seed Ben Shelton and 20th seed Frances Tiafoe.
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